Itās that time of year when everyone is focused on eating betterāwhether itās to feel better, look better, or simply cut unnecessary junk out of our diets. But have you ever thought about making similar changes for your pets?
As pet owners, we want the best for our furry family members, and their diet plays a huge role in their overall health. Like many of you, I started noticing the growing concerns about kibble on various dog-related Facebook pages. This sparked my journey into exploring healthier alternatives for our two dogsāa Golden Retriever and a terrier mix.
Why We Made the Switch
Our Golden had only been on kibble for a few months, but our terrier had been eating it for years. While all breeds have their share of potential health issues, including cancer and allergies, I wanted to give our dogs the best chance at a long, healthy life. When my family made changes to improve our own diet, it only made sense to do the same for our beloved pets.
Through research and helpful recommendations, I discovered the Facebook group Homemade Dog Food ~ The Nourished Pet. This community, along with the book "The Forever Dog," opened my eyes to the benefits of cooking fresh, nutritious food for our pets. I even took a class through the group to learn how to properly prepare balanced, homemade meals for our girls.
The Benefits Weāve Seen
Since switching to homemade meals, the changes in our dogsā health have been remarkable. Weāve had no ear infections, no hot spots, and our terrierās allergies have significantly improved. The benefits have been so noticeable that I canāt imagine going back to kibble.
The real turning point for me, though, was seeing the transformation in my nieceās Bulldogs.
Birdie and Corradoās Success Story
My niece adopted Birdie, a four-year-old Bulldog rescued by Badass Bulldog Rescue. Birdie was a retired puppy mill breeder who had been abandoned on the side of the road. When she was rescued, Birdie was severely overweight at 58 pounds, had bald patches, dandruff, and numerous skin issues caused by allergies. On top of that, she had undergone multiple surgeries, including spaying, nares and soft palate corrections, and entropion surgery.
My niece was already cooking for her other Bulldog, Corrado, who had his own health challenges, including aspiration pneumonia, gagging/regurgitating from a hiatal hernia, and recurring bilateral alopecia. She decided to cook for both dogs, and the results were nothing short of amazing.
Within weeks, Birdie lost 10 pounds, her bald patches filled in with a thick, shiny coat, and her dandruff and skin allergies disappeared. Corrado also lost seven pounds, and his health issues vanished entirely. Seeing this transformation reaffirmed my belief in the power of fresh, homemade food.
The Realities of Cooking for Your Dog
Cooking at home does take some time and organization, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. I usually dedicate about an hour a week to meal prep, which saves me money on vet bills and ensures that my dogs are happy, healthy, and eating fresh, high-quality food.
That said, I understand that every family is different. For those who are curious about making the switch, I highly recommend checking out The Nourished Pet. The groupās owner is a pet nutritionist with over 20 years of experience. She not only provides recipes but also explains the importance of each ingredient, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions for your petās diet.
Take the First Step
Switching to homemade dog food has been one of the best decisions weāve made for our pets. Whether youāre looking to address specific health issues or simply want to provide the best for your furry family members, itās worth exploring this alternative.
If you have any questions or want to learn more, feel free to email me at julie@everythinggolden.dog. Iād love to help you get started on your journey to better health for your pets!
Hereās to happy, healthy pups! šā¤ļø